Man with hatchet threatens Portland arcade patrons
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A man armed with a hatchet and machete entered a Northwest Portland arcade, threatening at least dozen people who were inside Saturday afternoon, police said.
Around 3 p.m., police say 44-year-old Bernard Johnson went into Ground Kontrol in the area of NW 5th and Couch in Old Town. Ground Kontrol management got the patrons evacuated quickly and safely, said PPB Sgt. Kevin Allen, which opened up opportunities for police to surround the building and de-escalate the situation.
“The management of the arcade did an outstanding job about evacuating. They got people out really quickly, which really opened up our opportunity to isolate the scene, get him surrounded and slow everything down,” Allen said.
At one point, Johnson allegedly threw the hatchet and machete out of the building.
A hatchet and a machete taken from a man who entered a Portland arcade and threatened patrons, August 3, 2024 (PPB)
“It’s a little shocking and it’s a little off putting,” neighbor Brandon Kelly said. “I don’t want to feel uncomfortable in town.”
Both the Crisis Negotiation Team and SERT units responded to the scene. Around 4:30 p.m. Johnson — who police said appeared to have taken a drug — became drowsy, which allowed authorities to safely get him onto a stretcher.
“We did see him utilizing what we think is some type of narcotics during the negotiation,” Allen said. “He was getting a little sleepy. We thought he was getting affected by the drugs and gave us the opportunity to move up and take him into custody.”
He was taken to the hospital for medical evaluation. No one was hurt in the incident.
Streets in the area have re-opened.
Sunday morning, Johnson was released from the hospital and booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges of menacing, unlawful use of a weapon, and an outstanding warrant.
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